The Latest: California judge remorseful over cardholders

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Latest on a California judge censured for taking business card holders (all times local):

4:20 p.m.

A Northern California judge says swiping two business card holders from a judges' dinner last year was "a moment of ridiculous stupidity" and he remains disappointed in himself.

The Commission on Judicial Performance announced Monday its censure of Napa County Superior Court Judge Michael S. Williams, who agreed to resign as part of the discipline.

Advertisement

Williams was attending a dinner hosted by a matrimonial lawyers association in March 2016 when he took two cardholders styled in the art deco decor of The City Club of San Francisco. They were each worth about $30 to $50.

The commission says Williams returned the cardholders after being informed that he was caught on video.

Williams, who is 70, agreed to resign effective Dec. 5, which is when he can retire.

___

12:30 p.m.

A Northern California judge is losing his job after swiping two art deco-style business card holders from a judges' dinner in San Francisco.

The Commission on Judicial Performance announced Monday its censure of Judge Michael S. Williams of Napa County. Williams also agreed to resign effective in December.

Williams was attending a dinner hosted by a matrimonial lawyers association in March 2016 when he took two cardholders in the art deco decor of The City Club of San Francisco. They were each worth about $30 to $50.

The commission says Williams returned the cardholders after being informed that he was caught on video.

The judge expressed remorse and said he had an "unexplainable impulse" to take the cardholders.

A lawyer for Williams did not immediately return a request for comment.